Ainsworth Game Technology has announced the appointment of Matt Smith as Vice President of Marketing and Product Strategy, strengthening the Company’s leadership team within the key market of North America.

Matt brings more than a decade of experience in the gaming industry, with a strong track record of driving product innovation and market growth. He joins Ainsworth from IGT, where he spent eight years, most recently serving as Director of Premium Product Management. In that role, Matt was instrumental in developing and launching high-performing premium gaming products that resonated with operators and players alike.

Prior to his tenure at IGT, Matt held various roles within the Slot Department at Bellagio and other properties operated by MGM Resorts, where he developed a deep understanding of casino operations and player engagement.

In his new role, Matt will lead Ainsworth’s Marketing and Product Strategy initiatives, focusing on expanding the Ainsworth brand and delivering innovative, high-quality gaming experiences to customers throughout North America.

“Matt’s combination of operator insight and product leadership makes him an exceptional addition to our team. Matt’s expertise and proven track record is expected to positively contribute to current product strategies and strengthen our position in the market,” said Ryan Comstock, Ainsworth’s Acting CEO.

“I’m excited to join Ainsworth at such a pivotal time. The Company has a strong foundation and tremendous potential, and I look forward to helping drive the next phase of growth through compelling products and strategic marketing,” said Matt.

The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) announced that its membership elected a new Board of Directors at its 2026 Annual Meeting. AGEM Board Chair Ryan Comstock, Acting Chief Executive Officer at Ainsworth Game Technology, was not up for election as he transitions into the second year of his two-year term as Chair and led the meeting which approved one-year terms on the Board of Directors for:

• Elaine Hodgson, DIRECTOR (President / CEO, Incredible Technologies)

• Lauralyn Sandoval, DIRECTOR (Vice President of Gaming Strategy & Business Development, Aristocrat Gaming)

• Phil O’Shaughnessy, DIRECTOR (Vice President, Global Communications, Government Relations & Sustainability, IGT)

• Steve DiMasi, DIRECTOR (Senior Vice President of Global Government Affairs & Business Development, Light & Wonder)

• Randy Gilbert, SECRETARY (Chief Executive Officer, TableTrac)

• Thomas Jingoli, TREASURER (President & Chief Operating Officer, Konami Gaming).

The AGEM Board of Directors also approved one-year terms as ex-officio/non-voting members on the Board of Directors for:

• Cassie Stratford, EX-OFFICIO DIRECTOR (Senior Vice President, Legal Operations & Compliance–Boyd Gaming Corporation; Global Gaming Women Advisory Board Member)

• Bob Parente, EX-OFFICIO DIRECTOR & ASSISTANT TREASURER (Executive Vice President & Chief Business Development Officer, Light & Wonder).

Ainsworth Game Technology (Ainsworth) announced it has named Mike Trask as Head of Studio. Trask will be based in Austin, TX, where he will lead a design team focused on creating strong performing game content.

An industry veteran, Trask has been with Ainsworth for more than eight years in roles of increasing responsibility, most recently serving as VP of Marketing and Product Strategy in the company’s Las Vegas office.

“Mike was instrumental in the creation of our San Bao Pandas and San Bao Dragons games. The games premiered in Class II and HHR markets and performance was phenomenal. We debuted them in Class III late last year on our new A-Star RAPTOR cabinet and both titles appeared on the EKG Gaming Report as top new games in the country. This was made possible using Mike’s vision and contributions. I look forward to seeing him continue to grow leveraging instincts and industry knowledge leading the Austin team,” David Bollesen, Chief Technology Officer at Ainsworth, said.

During his time at Ainsworth, Trask has played key roles in the introduction of the company’s Historical Horse Racing product; created unique platforms for sharing Ainsworth’s games and message; and has led product management across multiple markets.

Trask’s promotion to Head of Studio further solidifies the company’s recent focus on its product development efforts. Ainsworth has made several investments to protect and expand its legacy recently, including a 25% increase year-over-year in its product development efforts.

“I am excited and ready to take on this new challenge. My passion for games has grown and developed over my time in the industry, and I appreciate the confidence that Ainsworth’s leadership has shown in me as I transition to this new role,” said Trask.